BVW Spotlight feb 2015

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Photo by Sabrina Cline

feb, 4, 2015 Vol. 14 Issue 4 Blue Valley West high school, Overland Park, Kansas

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unique chemistry Teacher and coach Donnie Campbell sits down with Spotlight reporter PG. 22

Beauty and the beast

Pg. 14 fraternities pg. 15 racism PG. 16-17 leelah alcorn PG. 24-25 Snap opinions PG. 26

The True Bae Beyond the Bubble Al Ortolani Poetry Engineering Cafeteria Food Sweethearts Foreign Languages Strange Laws Winter Guard Beauty and the Beast Fraternities

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16 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 27 30 31

Spotlight reporter shares a

new take on Je Suis Charlie

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3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15

INSIDE

SENIOR Countdown

What’s

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Some teachers met their

spouses while attending high school

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Winter Guard participated in a

competition at Park Hill High

School on Jan. 24

A look into where school lunch

comes from and how it gets prepared

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Racism Diversity Photo Essay High School Movies Winter Sports Briefs Spring Sports Previews Coach Campbell Leelah Alcorn Snap Opinions All Nighters Valentine’s Day PDA Maze

The True Bae The truth is... I

Hey Lucy!

I love ...

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Hm? MMatt?!

That brand of juice!

What is it Matt?

I... i’ve never been truly honest with you ...

S P O T L I G H T

I lo...

Sarah Andrievk Reporter

STAFF

MISSION STATEMENT Spotlight is printed six times a year for the BV West students and community. Its goals are to inform, entertain, and interpret through editorials and bylined articles while providing an open forum of communication for the diverse student population and faculty members.

Spotlight aims to be fair, accurate, and impartial. The content of the publication is determined by its student editors as determined by the Kansas Scholastic Press Act and may contain controversial subject matter as the staff exercises their First Amendment rights.

Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of Blue Valley West or USD 229.

Editors in Chief: Lauren Hansen and Erin Walker Managing Editor: Carly McDonald Design Editor: Logan Cole Copy Editor: Beth Gasser Web Editor: Libby Frazier Section Editors: Vinnie Garimella, Dan

Kurtz, Maddy C. Lewis,

John Wilson, Leah Zimmerli Reporters: Rebecca Abraham, Sarah Andrievk, Ashley Buehler, John

Byrket, Quinn Coleman, Shaye

Herman, Grace Lamar, McKenna

Patchen, Ethan Paine, Matt Stry,

Joe Mallory, Lexi Melson,

Adrieanna Norse, Alexa Turiello Adviser: Debbie Glenn

A major snowstorm in the Northeast caused major problems on January 26 through January 28. It caused many airports, including Newark International Airport, and cities to temporarily shut down. Citizens in New York City were told to stay off the roads and nearly the entire island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts lost power.

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President Barack Obama visited the University of Kansas (KU) campus in Lawrence, Kan. on January 22 to discuss middle-class economics and child-care tax cuts and initiatives.

Obama’s visit was the first time an incumbent president has visited the KU campus since 1911. While in Kansas, he also traveled to Topeka and met with Governor Sam Brownback. ans

d n y e B the Bubble A continuing series o f wo r l d e v e n t s

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As many as 2000 people died in early January when Boko Haram militants razed towns in Nigeria. Over 3700 structures were damaged or completely destroyed. Over 1.5 million people were displaced, many of whom are left unable to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

Carly McDonald and Lauren Hansen Managing Editor and Editor in Chief

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According to U.S. officials, Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl will be charged with deserting his base in Afghanistan. Bergdahl disappeared in June 2009 and was rescued in May 2014 in exchange for five prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. One senior official said Bergdahl is being charged because he left “in the middle of a combat zone, potentially putting the lives of his fellows soldiers at risk.”

Scientists located the oldest human remains found (outside of Africa) in Israel.

The skull dates as 55,000 years old and could shed light on the migration of modern humans out of Africa nearly 60,000 years ago.

poetry from a pro Poetry is a passion for English teacher Al Ortolani Lexi Melson Reporter

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nglish teacher Al Ortolani has a passion for poetry. He started his love for poetry in high school when he felt a need to express himself and what was going on in a more private way.

“When I was young, high school age, I really felt the need to write my thoughts and feelings out,” Ortolani said.

His poetry has been featured in Midwest Quarterly, the New York Quarterly, The Laurel Review, Wilderness, The Quarterly, Cottonwood Review, Coal City Review, The English Journal. He has also written two collections of poetry that have been published and released. He has also had haikus that have appeared in many journals on four continents.

“He was heavily involved with The Writers Place.” English teacher Trent Stern said.

Ortolani also does many readings of his work for others who enjoy poetry. He has read in Dallas, Texas, Lawrence, Kan., Kansas City, Mo. His most recent reading was on Jan. 16 at the The Writer’s Place.

“I decided in college that I wanted to be a writer, a poet in particular,” Ortolani said.

It took him some time to get started on writing the books, but a while after graduating college he ended up writing a book. Some of his books

include The Last Hippie of Camp 50, Finding the Edge and Wren’s House, a book of haiku and senryu.

“Mr. Ortolani actually gave me a book of his poems. They are awesome,” English teacher Paige Waldorf said. “He is really great at capturing moments of life and reaching the soul with his imagery.”

Ortolani has found joy in some of his favorite poems. One of his favorite poems that he enjoys and often finds himself thinking back to is Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken. He also admires poet Seamus Heaney, an irish poet who won a Nobel Peace Prize and sadly passed away.

“There’s an irish poet I admired for years named Seamus Heaney,” Ortolani said. “I really liked him. I like Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken.”

Ortolani and Waldorf are currently working on starting up a poetry club.

He thinks it would be a great idea to get students writing and reading poetry. The club would involve spoken word poetry and lots of speaking in front of the group. The first meeting was on January 27. Anybody is welcome to join the club.

“We were talking about slam poetry one day in the pod and he mentioned how he could use some help starting up the slam poetry group,” Waldorf said.

Excerpt from “Basement Storage”

By Al Ortolani

Sherri organizes boxes in basment storage. Late this afternoon she still scrapes and knocks them against the concrete floor. She manages to pitch a plastic bin of wool sweaters, used when we climbed Mount Massive, another blue rain gear from college football, but a tower of books that neither of us have looked at this century stops her. Books are impossible to throw away, so she stacks them one upon the other. I tell her Francis Bacon wrote something to the effect that we build upon each generation’s ideas.

Use this QR code to read Ortolani’s poem, “Basement Storage”

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Building your future Students learn about careers in engineering Leah Zimmerli Section Editor

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s students are getting into second semester, several important decisions about class schedules are being made. For students with a love of math and science, Principles of Engineering is a great option to consider when planning for the coming years.

Principles of Engineering is a class where students can learn about what engineering actually is and what field of engineering they would be most interested in pursuing.

In this class, students do research on all sorts of fields including but not limited to electronics, thermodynamics, civil engineering, ballistics, and computer programing.

“Students do some research on the engineering field, we find out about college requirements, they do powerpoints on specific fields and what that career does,” teacher Denise Young said. “We also do some tech physics so they learn the mathematics and science behind some of the engineering fields.”

A few projects students can look forward to to doing in this class include making bridges out of pasta, rube goldberg machines created for a specific task, solar cars that can be altered to run off of a hydrogen fuel cell, and a ballistic launcher.

For more competitive students, there are several competitions that students can participate in.

“We have several in house competitions for the ballistic launcher based on how far and how accurate it launches. We also go to a pasta bridge competition at the University of Kansas and compete against kids across the state.” Young said.

Students need to have at least taken geometry to be able to do the best they can in the class. Physics is not a requirement, in fact this class is an excellent tool to prepare for physics classes that students may take in the future.

BV West OnLine Media

www..bvwnews.com

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Where does the meatloaf come from?

An inside look to see how school lunch is prepared

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he Blue Valley School District serves over 12,000 meals a day, just a day for BV West’s food services starts at 6 a.m. and doesn’t end until after school. Between new health initiatives and drastic food changes, students at BV West have questioned where the food comes from, how it is prepared, and to how healthy and what are nutritional guidelines for the food we eat. In 2010, the National school lunch and breakfast program was evaluated to see what could be improved for student health, the Healthy Hunger Free Act had a final rule in 2012. Starting the school year 20122013, there were dramatic changes with requirements of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The district had to change our menus differently in order to get federal funding, yet finding a balance to keep students happy at the same time.

These changes were that two of the food groups along with a required fruit or vegetable was the minimum to make a meal.

This school year, students saw significant changes in the a-la-carte items, such as the chip and snack items being changed to baked. The guidelines the school has to adhere to are part of the smart snack guidelines, a requirement that went into effect this year is that all our grain products have to be 51 percent enriched. Charles Rathburn, who oversees all food services for all elementary and high schools in the district remarks on the complexity of this matter “As far a the menus go, its a pretty complicated process to meet the requirements for meals while still keeping students happy,” Rathburn said. “As far as the menu items, we have to make sure we are meeting calorie requirements.

The foods that did not meet calorie requirements were changed to premium items, such as the premium chicken sandwich.”

The target for the the district’s high school students at lunch is 700-850 calorie, every three years the food services department is audited by the Kansas Department of Education for child nutrition to make sure these guidelines are being followed.

“This is the average calorie intake over the course of a week if a student is getting solely student meals, if the student chooses to get extra items the calorie count will go up,” Rathburn said.

“The district is looking at an app for students to be able see their values for the foods. We purchase our food through a food distributor they do not necessarily produce the food the just distribute it and we order what we need.”

The primary distributor is US Food Service, which stores the food in a warehouse upon distribution and delivers from them about arrive once a week at every school in the school district. Milk and pizza, now made with 51 percent whole grain crust, are delivered every day. The fruits and vegetables are not produced locally, with most of it coming from California and Arizona. All produce has to be insured to make sure quality of food they pass USDA inspection. When the menus are being are planned,the grains portions have to meet a 2 ounce equivalent for entrees (such as the bun on a sandwich), and 2 ounce portion for the meat, as well over the course of a week.

“I’m really dedicated to looking for what can we can do to keep students happy,” Rathburn said. “There was a focus group last week that taste tested certain products. Student purchases on a la carte have gone down. We are looking creatively to figure out offering new items, we are also looking at doing different bar type concepts, such as maybe having a shrimp taco bar. Our food sources are coming from the same distributors as some of the biggest restaurants.”

Rebecca Abraham Reporter

The Blue Valley School District is one of the only districts in the nation that participates in a food recovery program with Harvesters. On average, the program feeds approximately 50 families a day with the extra food that is left after lunch. The preparation of the food is fairly straightforward, yet time consuming.

LaWanna Whitcomb, manager of food services at BV West describes a typical day for the staff.

“Here we don’t do much cooking,’ Whitcomb said. “It’s mostly heat and serve the rolls, we bake the chicken, and a lot of the food is precooked and nothing is cooked from scratch. The cooking starts after 8 o’clock. After lunch, three people start getting the extra food ready for Harvesters. The SIO kids are an intricate part of the lunch program, I could not do it without them, because they do so much for us from baking cookie, filling drink coolers, setting up snacks, preparing silverware, there such a big part that 10 kids are involved they come only in the morning and are done by 10:30.”

Lots of sales have been lost due to the changes in the a-la-carte items, most significantly in the baked goods and chips. The staff used to make twenty trays a day, now they make eleven trays.

The staff used to order three cases of rice krispie treats a week, yet have not ordered rice krispies since the beginning of the school year. BV West food services has really taken a hit from this as they are a separate entity from the rest of the district’s programs.

“Hopefully, in the coming year students will become more acclimated with the changes and sales for a-la-carte items will rise,” Whitcomb said.

For now, students can rely on the fact that the food served at BV West has undergone numerous protocol and we can be confident in the food that fuel the rest of our day.

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Sweethearts Past and present Teachers share their long lasting love stories Alexa Turiello Reporter

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s it truly possible for your first love to be your last love? The term “high school sweetheart” refers to the boy or girl you had a crush on or have continuously been with since high school. Though many people believe that you cannot fall in love only once, the numbers are continuously growing. In a story about marriage statistics released by CNN, in recent times, 25 percent more people are marrying their high school or even college sweethearts. The real benefits behind staying with someone for so long can easily outweigh the negative.

By being with the one you have been with for so long, essentially starting to date in high school, you have a solid foundation to start your relationship. Many high school sweethearts will have gone through many of the conflicts and rough patches that arise when they meet later and get engaged and married. Those who meet at such a young age will basically know everything there is to know about each other. This means no dark secrets or awkward moments because of your shared history and because you would already be such a major part of each other’s past.

There are several teachers who have married their own high school sweethearts. Kim Bounsom, the Spanish 2.5 and 3.5, as well as the Avid 11 teacher, started dating her husband at the earliest parts of high school.

“I met Bern towards the end of 8th grade at a track meet and then at a friend’s house,” Bounsom said. “He went to a different Junior High in Olathe but

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we had mutual friends. We have been together since the very beginning of 9th grade.”

Bounsom knew that she and Bern were meant to be by the time senior year of college had arrived.

Both of them had originally entered college with open minds knowing that if it was surely meant to be it would happen; and it did, they were engaged for over a year and a half leading up to their marriage on June 25, 2011.

Another teacher that is happily married to their high school sweetheart is Lauren Garcia, who teaches AP United States History, Economics, and AP Macroeconomics. During freshman year of the 19992000 school year, Garcia met the man she would end up marrying. Similar to Bounsom, Garcia did not know she would be spending her life with her high school sweetheart until they went off to college. When in college, it was part way through or around 20042005 that Garcia knew she had found a love to last forever. On October 16, 2010. She and her husband were married and have been together since. This is not uncommon where Garcia comes from though.

“My high school even has in every edition of the alumni newsletter a section where couples who got married are featured,” Garcia said.

Despite some people believing that high school love cannot last, these sweethearts demonstrate that meeting at a young age can mean a lifetime of happiness.

From left to right: Garcia and her husband smile through senior homecoming pictures. The newly wedd smile for one of their first pictures as husband and wife.

Lastly, Garcia and her husband pose with their son, Tommy, for some candid family photos.

Photos provided by Lauren Garcia

Sweethearts throughout the years...

From left to right: Bounsom and Bern lovingly embrace and smile widely as this picture was taken.

The new Bounsom duo is all cheery as they begin their new life together. Finally, the Bounsom’s stop and take a selfie on their night out together.

Photos provided by Kim Bounsom

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Clases De Lenguas extramjeras Cours De Langues Etrangeres Fremdsprachenkurse Taking a foreign language class may help prepare students for a diverse world John Byrket Reporter

Languages in a Minute How to say “Let’s go, Jags” in Spanish, French, German, and Latin

French: Allons-y Jags!

Spanish: Vamonos Jags!

German: Lass uns gehen Jags!

Latin: Abeamus Jags!

How to say “Grit, Excellence, Family, and Pride” in Spanish, French, German, and Latin

French: Grit, Excellence, de la Famille et de fierté

Spanish: Grit, Excelencia, la Familia y el orgullo

German: Grit, Exzellenz, Familie und Stolz-

Latin: Grit, dignitatem, 10

familiae, et gloria

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aking a foreign language in high school is recommended to boost transcripts and to make students more well rounded. While foreign languages do help students compete academically, they also benefit students in real world experiences.

“I hope that my students learn enough Spanish to be able to converse with native speakers and also the culture of Spanish speaking countries,” Spanish teacher R.J. Palmgren said. “Being able to communicate with people around the world also gives you a skill that you can use in a future career.”

Languages are not just about learning how to communicate with people in other countries, it is about understanding and embracing a whole new culture. Knowing a foreign language will help you communicate with people around the world because there are over 25,000 jobs that are expecting you to know a foreign language, according to a CNN Money article.

“Being enrolled in a foreign language course has benefited me because I went to Mexico and I was able to communicate basic stuff to them,” sophomore Evan Carlile said.

Foreign language not only helped students communicate with others in different countries, but it helped them learn more about the cultures and backgrounds behind each language, and it really expanded their views on the world.

“I chose Spanish because it sounded fun,” Carlile said.

Some students choose to take a foreign language just because it is fun, some might even include a dancing unit or one that focuses on cultural foods.

“I would love to travel outside the country a lot in the future and knowing how to talk the native language would help a lot,” sophomore Lexi Scheerer said. “We also study their different holidays and how they are celebrated.”

While some students may see taking a language as hard work for an elective, they can have benefits far beyond school walls.

Learning how to communicate with people all around the world not only helps students become better suited to compete for jobs after high school, but they can also expand their cultural knowledge and world awareness.

Dumb and Dumber Little known strange laws in the Midwest Erin Walker Editor in Chief

Hitting a vending machine that stole your money is illegal - Derby No one may wear a bee in their hat - Lawrence

Kansas

It is illegal to sing the alphabet on the streets at night - Topeka

Installation of bathtubs with four legs resembling animal paws is prohibited - Kansas City Frightening a baby is in violation of the law - Mole It shall be unlawful to provide beer or other intoxicants to elephants - Natchez

Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants - Marshalltown One-armed piano players must perform for free

Iowa

A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public

Missouri It is illegal to sell doughnut holes - Lehigh If a child burps during church service, his/her parent may be arrested

illinois

One may not urinate in his/her neighbor’s mouth - Champaign

A man is not allowed to run around town with a shaved chest - Omaha

Law forbids eating in a place that is on fire - Chicago

Persons with gonorrhea may not marry

It is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe’s neck - Chicago It is illegal to give a dog whiskey - Chicago

Nebraska Information from dumblaws.com

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New Age Dawning Anna Ferguson

Amelia Snyder

Morgan Hennessy

Annaliese Estevez

Vinnie Garimella Section Editor

Photos by Ryan Barrett

Amelia Snyder

breaking down barriers

Winter Guard begins its new season with its show “At the Break of Dawn”

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inter Guard is a competitive dance group that starts at the end of Nov. and goes all the way through March. The show is being written from Nov. to Jan. and the team participates in competitions in Feb. and Mar. Winter Guard is governed by Winter Guard International (WGI) and is split into divisions. There is Scholastic and Independent and those are also split into classes. It is ranked by class and each member is judged individually.

Winter Guard is similar to Color Guard; the difference is that in Winter Guard there is no band, only music.

Winter Guard is inside and dances on a tarp and uses fake rifles, flags, and sabres (swords).

Color Guard is a dance group that performs on a football field. They spin flags and rifles, and they sometimes dance. Also Color Guard performs with the marching band at competitions and practice with the band.

“We get to wear cute costumes, makeup, and the bus rides are fun,” junior Sasha Arteaga said.

Costumes and makeup are used for effect and correspond to the show. Winter Guard creates a visual representation of music by the costumes and the way they dance.

“Being together and dedication is the most important thing about Winter Guard,” sophomore Tessa Macdonald said.

Every rehearsal, new choreography is added to the show and it is sometimes hard to catch up. Each individual is important to the show and how it turns out.

“We all support each other and help each other to get better,” Macdonald said.

Ashley Buehler Reporter

“We all work for a common goal: to make the show amazing.”

This year, Winter Guard has 25 members and are around each other all the time. Having this many members makes it easy to have a family bond.

All the members are in different grade levels.

“I thought Winter Guard would be a super fun thing to do and I always have found it interesting,” senior Billy Ferguson said.

In Winter Guard, it is expected to know how to dance and spin flags, rifles, and sabres. Winter Guard does this all on top of each other to make an interesting show.

Winter Guard rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three hours. They work on getting choreography in the show and making it the best it can be.

“The top Winter Guards of the country all have guys and that is an important part of Winter Guard,” Ferguson said. “BV West has never had that type of culture before.”

Winter Guard is slowly increasing in members and is getting better every year.

Winter Guard spends a lot of time to make the show perfect and everyone strives to do their best.

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Beauty & the Beast Theater department prepares for musical Maddy C. Lewis Features Editor

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etween the state Thespian Conference in Wichita at the beginning of the semester and the Dec. repertory show, the theater department has had a busy winter so far. Now, the focus is shifting to the annual spring musical, Beauty & the Beast.

The classic Disney tale is being brought to life by next month, Feb. 19 through the 21. Rehearsals began in Dec., marking the start of the long process that goes into a production with 76 cast members, a set crew and pit orchestra.

Every day after school, the cast and ensemble practice songs, dances, and lines for two and a half hours. Many students are surprised at the time commitment. However, the cast and crew are dedicated to making the show the best it can be.

“I’m learning so much,” senior Emma Benson said.

(Belle). “I don’t have much experience being a lead, so it’s super fun getting to play around with the character and learn new tips and tricks at every rehearsal.”

Cast members had a plethora of reasons for auditioning for the show. Their varied inspiration created an electric atmosphere at rehearsals.

“I know that my grandma loved my singing and my music, so since she passed away I’m working really hard so that on show night I can do amazing for her.” sophomore Robbie Foley said.

“It’s fun to meet more people that don’t usually do theater, and seeing the smiles on audience’s faces after the show is always worth some hard work,” junior Mary Irwin said. “Everyone works hard to make it special for everyone.”

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Sophomore Robbie Foley rehearses a scene with senior Emma Benson after school in the Performing Arts Center.

Assistant director junior Beth Gasser watches the cast and helps them with lines during a rehearsal. The position of AD is critical to a show with more than 70 cast members.

Showing her passion for performance accompaniast Laurie Levin helps coach singers in the musical.

Photos by Ryan Barrett

GFing Greek?

Fraternity or sorority membership is next big decision awaiting college-bound seniors Dan Kurtz Sports Editor

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fter making the difficult decision about which college to attend the issue of going “greek” or being an “independent” is the next big question for seniors. The stereotypes of “frat guys” and “sorority girls” are pervasive yet many students look beyond them once they get serious about college.

“Go in completely open-minded and leave all rumors and stereotypes aside,” alum Sophia Ruby said.

Most join fraternities or sororities so that they can meet friends that share similar interests.

“Joining a sorority coming into college allows for an immediate opportunity to make friends,” alum Emily Moore said. “I, for example, am really close with my “big” and my own little sorority family. It gives you someone to go and just have movie nights with or talk with about everything.

Even after only knowing them since August, I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

The Hollywood version of college as seen in Animal House and Neighbors gives the impression that most college students “go greek;” yet most collegians are independents. The Lawrence Journal World reports that less than 15 percent of students at the University of Kansas are members of greek organizations.

“I believe I can have as fulfilling an experience in my time in college without having to join a sorority because as a nursing major I have a heavy workload,” alum Kate Price said. “I find that through clubs and other activities it isn’t hard to make friends and you experience more environments and people; it makes you branch out more.”

Those choosing to be a part of the greek life have a lot to consider. One issue that causes concern is the cost.

According to the LJW the costs of living in a greek house is roughly the same as living in the dorms. Additional costs to membership include chapter dues, national dues and activity fees.

Once the issue of costs is settled the decision comes

down to finding the right fit. Sororities have a more intricate process for selection while fraternities are usually less formal and even start with mixers in the spring of senior year. Trying to make that decision during the stress of senior year can present challenges.

“My advice would be to make sure you keep all of your options open and to explore every house o campus, that way you know which house fits you best,” alum Jacob Paschal said. “Do some research beforehand so you have a better idea of what each house is all about; get in contact with recruitment chairs early so they know you’re interested and can invite you to rush events to meet people already in the house.”

The formal process for sorority recruitment usually occurs a week before schools start. While daunting, the process has been roughly unchanged in nearly 100 years and is replicated at universities across the country.

“Recruitment is a five day process; in those five days you get the opportunity to visit all 12 of the houses (at KU) and narrow down the top house you want,” Ruby said.

“The houses ask you back to visit on the sixth day. As long as you’re in good academic standing, did some extracurricular activities in high school, and can keep a smile on your face in 90 degree weather while having a casual conversation, you’re good to go.”

The realities of greek life may not live up to Old School or Legally Blonde but the advantages impact success in college and beyond.

“Advantages (to joining a sorority) are that you get to know older students who guide you and help you in other extra-curriculars and the right organizations, finding classes, and by relating who the best professors are.” alum Emma Bjornson said. “That was really important to me as an out-of-state student, especially coming from far away and knowing nothing.; my sorority helped me start excelling day one of college.

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Diversity Assembly

Students express their individualty through various forms of art Vinnie Garimella Section Editor

1. Senior Mehtab Warya dances to a fusion bollywood dance at the Diversity Assembly. 2. Alum Lamoine Tatum comes back to perform powerful poetry about her heritage. 3. Junior Lakshmi Priya dances at the assembly to express herself through her Indian culture. 4. Junior Lahari Pathivada performs a Bollywood dance at the assembly. 5. Senior Shriyaa Shrouti performs a very upbeat Bollywood dance to show her Indian heritage.

6. Junior Sherouk Abdelmoity plays traditional song “Al Nahr Al Khalid� on a Oud. 27

Behind the silver screen The expectation of high school versus the reality Beth Gasser Section Editor

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ou see us as you want to see us — in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal.

Correct? That’s the way we saw each other at 7:00 this morning. We were brainwashed.”- The Breakfast Club.

High school based movies and actual high school are completely different things.

Hollywood depicts high school as a place where the school is divided up in to a hierarchy.

The “Populars” rule the school with the jocks by their sides. The geeks and outsiders are tormented and bullied. Is high school actually like that? Schools have bullies and people who get a rise out of making fun of others, but typically it is not one “group” attacking another.

We are lucky though, at BV West stereotypes and prejudices are not encouraged.

Everyone is an individual and embraces it here. Many people at BV West are involved in more than one extracurricular activity and have befriended at least another person when

they attended the activity. Another thing that makes Hollywood’s depiction of high school so much different than other high schools, is that Hollywood tends to use actors and actresses that are older than the age they are portraying.

They do this to get around hour restrictions that apply to people under the age of 18, but knowing that Judd Nelson who played Bender in The Breakfast Club was 26 when the movie was released, and Rachel McAdams who was Regina George in Mean Girls was the same age. These make high school movies extremely hard to relate to.

High school is a difficult and intimidating time. for many people. WIth the added pressure of standards that Hollywood implies, it just makes high school even more of a stressful time. Here is a helpful hint to remember, high school is not as dramatic as movies have it out to be., but sometimes it is fun to watch those movies and just feel happy that you are or are not in one.

Photos by Logan Cole

If high school could be like any high school movie which one would you want it to be like?

“Heathers- without all the killing.”

Freshman Jentry Muck

“The Breakfast Club.”

Junior Graham Hunter

“Clueless.”

Junior Morgan Roberts 19

Winter Sports Briefs

Regionals, Districts, State?: Next few weeks determine successful seasons Matthew Stry Reporter

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Contending for a State Championship in 2015, the team is off to a hot start with an impressive 7-3 record. The team is led by seniors Blaise Gammon, Connor Kaiser and junior Evan Hailes. Gammon has been dominating early opponents and leading the Eastern Kansas League in scoring. They look to continue their success as they take on Bishop Miege at home this Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

Gradual improvement is lessening the blow of a slow start to the season. The team is led by seniors Amanda Milonovich and Megan McCarthy are tasked with a big challenge as one of the youngest teams in the EKL. Jan. 15, freshman Maia Wilson broke the single game rebound record with 21. The team looks to close the season with a strong finish. The Lady Jaguars take on Bishop Miege at 6 p.m. this Friday at home.

The girls bowling team is off to a rapid start this year. The team is paced by seniors Lauren Hansen and Christi LeMunyon. LeMunyon recently finished 3rd overall at the Leavenworth tournament. The team practices in Olathe each day as they look to find the perfect throwing motion. Their next competition is at Mission North Olathe on Feb. 10.

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The boys are led by senior captains Lev Kavs, Daniel Fecteau and Nicholas Olding. The divers are off to a hot start as two-time defending state champion, Fecteau continues an undefeated season. The boys look to qualify more athletes to state at EKL at BVNW this weekend.

Photo by Sabrina Cline

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Senior captains Ryan Madden and Noah Schnick, look to overcome the difficulties of being a small team of wrestlers this season. Schnick recently broke the BVW record for most takedowns in a career yet misfortune hit the team when junior Sam Grandon had surgery on his elbow in December. The team continues to battle back as they travel to Oak Grove this Saturday for their annual tournament.

spring sports previews

Conditioning and Try-Outs:The Start of Special Seasons Joe Mallory Reporter

The Jaguars baseball team looks to bounce back from a heart-breaking loss in the quarter finals of the 2014 6A Kansas State Tournament to the BV High Tigers by a score of 3-2. This years team is led by a star studded group of ten seniors, including short-stop Connor Kaiser, and outfielders Sam Davis and Sam Daily. The 2015 team looks to pave their way back to the State Tournament and capitalize this time around to bring home the state title.

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Photo by Alexis Snowdy

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The boys golf team looks to rack up some more accolades this year while finishing their 2014 campaign with a fourth place finish in the State Tournament as a team and junior James Henderson finishing second overall individually with a score of 70. This years team is led by seniors James Henderson, Ian Addison, and John Bever and sophomore Austin Beck.

Photo by Sydney Hendin The girls soccer team looks to bounce back from a tough loss in the quarter finals of the 2014 6A Kansas State Tournament to the BV Northwest Huskies by a ccer score of 3-2. This years team looks to find their way back to the State Tournament o S having ten seniors on the team so far led by captains Reece Christopherson, Isabel irl’s G Kurzban, and Kelcy Fiser. Many underclassmen will be notable shining players for this season.

The girl’s swim and dive team look to continue their success from last season after their 13th place finish in the 6A Kansas State Tournament.

Dive The team had some great individual accolades to go along with their & m i 13th place finish in the State Tournament. Junior Payton Kisinger placed sw s ’ l third with a final score of 351.45 last year. The team looks to have Gir another great showing at the state tournament this season.

Photo by Julia Huebert

The boy’s tennis team looks to add on to their success from last season with freshman Max Kurzban winning the Eastern Kansas League title and finishing fifth in the 2014 6A Kansas State Tournament. This year’s team will be led by senior Hunter Sanders and sophomore Max Kurzban. Look out for underclassmen showing their skills on the courts this year.

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Photo by Jenna Reid

Photo by Julia Huebert

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The track and field team looks to have another successful season with some great individual accolades to build upon from last season. Junior Matthew Birzer finished fourth overall in the high jump event and Junior Gabe Ng finished 8th overall in the 800 meter run event. With track and field conditioning in full swing, this year’s team hopes to have another great showing at the state tournament.

The softball team looks to rebound from a loss in the opening round of the 2014 6A Kansas State Tournament to the BV Northwest Huskies that ended their 2014 campaign. The team had many accomplishments last season and hope to continue these accomplishments through this season.

Photo by Julia Huebert

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Man to Man

An Interview with Boys Basketball Coach Donnie Campbell

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Ethan Paine Reporter

he old “bird” himself, Coach Donnie Campbell, is well known for his bird quotes. BV West basketball fans have been known to show up to games with huge pictures of birds. Yet, many do not know where the nickname came from.

“I really got the bird connotation because I’m a big Andy Griffith fan and I’m a big John Wayne fan,” Campbell said. “I remember Andy saying Barney Fife was a bird.”

Campbell sometimes calls his math students birds to motivate them to be on task and work hard.

“I tell our kids a lot in class: are you an ostrich or are you an owl? An owl is a smart, smart bird but an ostrich has is its head in the sand,” Campbell said.

Teaching math and coaching basketball are what Campbell is known for, but in college he was a multi-sport athlete. He went to college on a football scholarship playing quarterback for Kansas State University (K-State). While at K-State Campbell also played basketball.

“I played football and basketball in college, highly recruited quarterback out of college,” Campbell said. “I signed a professional football contract with the Houston Oilers; shortly after signing the contract with the Oilers I found out I made the baseball team at K-State and could’ve played baseball there.”

A football pedigree from K-State would have opened doors for Campbell but he chose to coach basketball.

“Too many variables in football, basketball was always my favorite sport to play,” Campbell said.

“When I graduated, got two offers to be head football coaches, one at McPherson, Kansas and the other one I don’t really remember.”

Not many young college graduates would have turned down a head coaching position at a 6A school but Campbell followed his passion.

“I wanted to be a basketball coach so I took a job at BV North in 1986 as an assistant coach in

football, basketball, and track.” Campbell said.

Campbell later coached basketball at Gardner-Edgerton and Shawnee Mission West before opening BV West in 2001. Six years later he led the Jaguars to a 6A state championship.

Campbell in known for his intensity on the court and in the classroom, as well as, the vision he has for his teams and students.

“The one thing that I felt like was one of my strengths as an athlete and as a coach was that I ‘saw’ the game,” Campbell said. “What I mean is some kids, very few kids, look--some kids hear-very few kids listen; a decent athlete can think (and see) two or three passes ahead.”

Despite some tough losses to BV North, SM East and Olathe East, the boys team has already notched seven wins this season. The team has been listed in Time-Warner Cable’s SportsKC Top 25 all season. Campbell’s man-on-man philosophy is marked by success. “[The basketball court] it’s a classroom, only advantage of having a basketball team is that there are kids that really want to be there, I love teaching, I love being in the classroom, being in the gym, working in the gym and seeing kids improve,” Campbell said. “They want to be a basketball player, in a math class there’s some kids who don’t want to be there, on the basketball court everyone wants to be there.”

Campbell’s athletic gifts, hard work, and dedication to his team and students have shown them how to give maximum effort. That effort resonates with both groups as he pushes them to the finish (of a game or an assignment).

“More planes were shot down in Vietnam on the way home than in actual battle because they relaxed, they didn’t finish.” Campbell said.

Campbell’s personal athletic story and life philosophy have inspired athletes and students alike since 1986. BV West fans will undoubtedly continue to display pride in “the bird man” as his legacy continues.

Photo by Sabrina Cline

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gender identity

What does LGBTQ stand for?

Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender Questioning In ancient times, Dionysus was the god of transgenderism.

Statistics:

46 percent of transgender men and 42 percent of transgender women reported that they attempted to commit suicide.

57 percent of people surveyed said that their family no longer speaks to them or spends time with them.

50 to 54 percent of people surveyed were harassed or bullied at school.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 and is recognized on May 17th every year. The date was chosen because on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders.

This is the first year that biphobia is included in the title.

An estimated 2 to 5 percent of the population is transgender.

Kansas currently has an executive order in place to prevent discrimination against transgender people, which was passed by former governor Kathleen Sebelius in 2007.

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A guide to proper transgender terms Lauren Hansen Editor in Chief

Terminology:

Transgender: A term for people whose gender identity, expression or behavior is different from those typically associated with their assigned sex at birth Queer: A term used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and often, also transgender people.

Gender Identity: An individual’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else. Since gender identity is internal, one’s gender identity is not necessarily visible to others.

Cross Dresser: A term for people who dress in clothing traditionally or stereotypically worn by the other sex, but who generally have no intent to live full time as the other gender.

Transgender Man: A term for a transgender individual who currently identifies as a man.

Transgender Woman: A term for a transgender individual who currently identifies as a woman.

Sexual Orientation: A term describing a person’s attraction to members of the same sex and/or a different sex, usually defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, or asexual.

Demisexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.

Asexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction.

Pansexual: A person who may experience sexual attraction toward people regardless of gender and physical sex.

Definitions and statistics from “Transgender Terminology” from the National Center for Transgender Equality, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Williams Institute, and Transgender Law: A Fact Sheet.

leelah alcorn

The tragic death of a transgender teen.

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n Sunday, Dec. 27, 2014, a seventeen year old transgender teen, Leelah Alcorn, tragically took her own life by walking in front of semitruck. The day before, she posted her suicide note on a blogging site called Tumblr stating the sole reason for taking her own life was lack of support, understanding, and acceptance from her parents, friends, and school. The lack of those things are always leading causes in the suicides of the LGBTQ community, but it is something we can easily fix.

Leelah’s parents refused to acknowledge their daughter’s sex, using male pronouns and referring to her as “him”, “he” and “son” throughout a CNN interview. Even after her death, they continued to misgender her. Not only that, but they also buried her in a suit and continued to address her as a male in the obituary. That is considered an insult. Being transgender means that the state of one’s gender identity/ gender expression does not match one’s assigned sex (ex: a boy trapped in a girls body, a girl trapped in a boys body). It also means using proper pronouns, addressing someone how they ask you to address them, and being supportive of everything and anything completely. If you are not ready to willingly accept whoever your child chooses to be, you should not be a parent. If you are not prepared to love your child unconditionally, then do not have children.

Before you say “it is against God’s Word.” or “It violates natural law.” Think about 1.) They are human.

2). They deserve equal rights and love just like everyone else. 3.) Why should we base preconceived ideas on a group of people. Being hateful to someone because of their sexuality and because “the Bible says it is not allowed” does not by any means reserve you a special place in Heaven. If anything, it furthers you from one. Saying that it is wrong is acknowledging that God has made a “mistake”. Which means you believe in a God that is not the one described in the Bible.

You believe in a God you made out to justify your acts of hate. If you use God’s name as an excuse to hate on people, you need to reevaluate yourself and your actions. If it is not something you like or something you approve of it does not mean you are allowed to bash it and be rude to another human being.

No one should ever feel so alone, tormented, or unaccepted.

In light of Leelah’s death, media should not have brushed everything aside and say that “Alcorn’s son was accidentally hit by a truck” while completely ignoring the fact that it was not an accident.

Leelah wanted to die because she was made to feel worthless and unaccepted by her friends and family. That is the biggest tragedy in this.

Quinn Coleman Reporter

A quote from her suicide note read “The only way I will rest in peace is if one day transgender people are not treated the way I was, they are treated like humans, with valid feelings and human rights. Gender needs to be taught about in schools, the earlier the better. My death needs to mean something.”

If we did not do enough to protect her, we can do more to protect others in her shoes.

You can donate to http://www. kycohio.org/donate.html and to http://www.gofundme.com/ TLLCreatingChange. May Leelah Alcorn and every transgender teen that has passed rest in peace. (Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and The Trevor Project Lifeline at 866488-7386)

Photo taken from Leelah’s Tumblr page. (that is now deleted) 25

I

n 1933, Prohibition in the United States ended.

Ever since, it has been a difficult journey to deciding what the legal drinking age should be in America. 18 was the agreed-upon age back in the late 1960’s, but since then the minimum age has risen. Now, nationwide, the legal drinking age is 21. This is widely debated among citizens. Is it a good age, in my opinion?

Not really. I preferred the policy allowing young adults the right to drink beer as 18 year-olds.

After all, how come it is legal for an 18 year old to make the decision to go to another country and potentially die in a war, but not pick up a beer?

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personally think that this topic is the most nonsensical to argue over.

People came to America to escape the tyranny and persecution brought from traditional governments.

Those who argue in favor of gay marriage typically express that they believe marriage should be a natural right to all human beings, regardless of sexual orientation. Others argue that it could “weaken the institution of traditional marriages,” to which I disagree. I think that we built this country with the vision of equality and freedom for all. There is no reason that someone should interfere with other’s lives just because they have other personal beliefs. Society today needs to take a chill pill and worry about more important things: perhaps the education system, or our national debt.

Snap Opinions

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he legalization of marijuana is questionably the hottest topic in our society.

Many people believe that marijuana can be used to help ease the painful effects of diseases like cancer and AIDS, while others think it is a gateway drug and a catalyst for laziness. 23 states along with Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for people with certain medical conditions; Colorado, Oregon and Washington, D.C. have legalized the plant for recreational use. Over 88,000 people die in a year from excessive alcohol use. If you were wondering how many people overdosed from smoking marijuana, there are not any. So why hold off on a plant that has been proven to help cancer patients and is far less dangerous than alcohol? #LegalizeIt

Social issues of the day John Wilson Section Editor

make an all-nighter all-right-er A detailed tutorial on how to survive a sleepless night Shaye Herman Reporter

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ll-nighters are inevitable in every student’s education, whether it be in high school or college. All-nighters are extremely unhealthy, and should be avoided as much as possible. Most health experts agree that a growing teenager needs nearly nine and a half hours of sleep per night. (According to the National Sleep Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and WebMD.) Yeah, like that’s going to happen.

Most teenagers procrastinate enough so that an all-nighter is needed for writing a paper of cramming for a test. So here is how to pull one in the most successful way possible.

Step one: At around 10 to 11 p.m, take an early evening nap to rest up for the long night.

Step two: 11 – 12 p.m. This is when

you’ll start to feel cold due to your body mimicking the circadian rhythm cycle. Rather than turning up the heat, (this might make you fall asleep) put on a sweater instead.

Step three: At this point, caffeine is the en-

emy. It will become less effective the later (or earlier?) it gets. Eat something light and healthy, like an apple, when the urge to caffeinate arises.

Step four: When pulling the all-nighter to

study, the best strategy is to study the hardest material first, since you’ll be more able to process it. Leave the easy reviewing for later. Exercise will help tremendously with energy levels, so maybe go for a short walk.

Changes of scenery will also help.

Step f ive When hunger sets in snack on things like yogurt, nuts, or fruit as they will revitalize you the most. Tea or fruit juice will be better than coffee or soda.

Chocolate milk is actually a perfect drink at this point since it provides protein, sugar and happiness.

Step six: 4 – 5 a.m. RESIST THE URGE TO NAP. You will be 10 times more tired afterward than without any sleep at all. Try dunking your head in ice water instead.

Step seven: As time for school

approaches, grab a light breakfast with carbohydrates and good protein, but with as little fat as possible. Fats take a lot of energy to digest and result in sluggishness.

Step eight: As the day progresses, feel free

to binge on pasta, bread, cereal and other healthy carbs to keep up energy.

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Parting advice

Seniors share advice about their high school experience

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econd semester of senior year is a time for both preparation and reflection. For many high school seniors, looking ahead to their futures also means reminiscing about their high school experiences.

Many underclassmen, meanwhile, are anxious to begin preparing for the future, yet do not know where to start or how to begin these steps during high school. Below, a handful of seniors offer helpful suggestions.

“Get involved as much as you can,” senior Taylor Skram said. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet a bunch of people.”

At BV West, Skram is involved in the mentoring program, National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) and Jagged Edge. She feels that her experiences at BV West have positively influenced her future and suggests that underclassmen pursue a variety of in-school

McKenna Patchen Reporter

hobbies.

“The activities have helped me learn how to work with different types of people and be more confident,” Skram said. “Though I wish I would have challenged myself more during junior year, because a lot of the harder classes prepare you more for your future. Aside from that, I made good connections with my teachers and was able to go to them when I needed help.”

Senior Drew Fancher is involved in football, the mentoring program, Relay For Life, National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society.

“West has been a great experience and has prepared me for moving forward,” Fancher said. “I am glad that I have given myself a hard schedule instead of taking the easy way out. My advice is to get involved, but at some point begin to pick and choose what you’re really passionate about. It’s okay to

start narrowing you schedule down, because that will help you decide what you want to do after high school.”

Another example of a wellrounded student is senior Katie Rock, who is a part of National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, National American History Society, Student Council, Jaguar Pride Coalition, soccer management and the Relay For Life committee.

“Being involved prepares you in a social aspect for college,” Katie said. “Try a ton of different activities because you’ll get to meet some really cool people. As a sophomore I decided to participate in History Club, and ended up going to D.C. for the national competition. That was something I never thought I would do.”

Rock is glad to have joined StuCo because of the close relationships she has formed with the students and administrators.

No Je Suis Charlie The Right to Free Speech or the reality of hate speech Rebecca Abraham Reporter

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hree weeks ago, the world stood still, horrified at the executions of journalists employed by the French Charlie Hebdo magazine. We watched as the three gunmen were caught and killed, and the phrase “Je Suis Charlie” was coined by millions of protesters, with three million rallying in France alone. The staffers for Charlie Hebdo have become martyrs for freedom of speech, their glorification spread across the realms of social media.

Before the tragedy many would have been uncomfortable with Charlie Hebdo’s graphic cartoons of the prophet Muhammad and unique humor. The attack resulted in many sympathizing with a publication that splayed insulting and borderline pornographic images under the guise of satire.

The Pew Research Journalism Project notes journalism’s most important and primary obligation is to the truth. Portrayal of the a satirical Prophet Muhammad in pornagraphic poses or with exposed genitalia does not convey truth, given the most skewed sense of the word. Satire is meant to provide social commentary and critique for the reform of a greater issue through wit and humor. While the cartoons may be humorous to some, for 1.6 billion people, the magazine’s sole purpose is to insult their religion. Even the most moderate Muslims cannot stomach repeated insults to their most revered religious figure. While I grieve the deaths of these journalists, and stand by my fellow protesters for the right to free speech, I refuse to dignify them as saints of solidarity.

I cannot support the work of a publication that goes beyond satire to the point where a religion is alienated and targeted as “humor,” respecting freedom of expression goes both ways.

The French journalists are allowed to poke fun at one of the world’s major religions with the approval of many under the cloak of freedom. Yet if someone speaks out against Charlie Hebdo, given the circumstances, they are seen as a sympathizer to terrorists. This double standard plagues the attitudes towards Muslim people whenever there are acts of terrorism. If they

do not loudly and publicly disagree with the acts of these extremists, they are considered to be in approval of terrorist acts a Christian, to a vastly smaller extent, I see groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church characterizing my religion in ways I do not believe to be true or representative of what I believe. Stereotypes are created from those who chant the loudest, even though they make up the smallest percentage of a religions teachings and beliefs.

Elsa Ray, the spokeswoman of the Paris-based Collective Against Islamophobia in France, defines the line between expressing freedom before it takes a blatant turn towards hate speech, which is banned in France.

“The freedom of expression may be guaranteed by the French Constitution, but there is a limit when it goes too far and turns into hatred and stigmatization,” Ray said.

She went to on to say that the cartoons in Charlie Hebdo, in which the attempt at humor made a mockery of Muhammad, pushed beyond the decency prescribed of any being, insulting Muslims everywhere.

The double standard, given the shortcomings of French courts to call out the satirical cartoons of Muhammad while the call to actions against anti Semitic insults are condoned, exists.

Dieudonné M’bala M’bala, a French comedian, who came under the inspection of courts on the issue of hate speech, banned a series of his shows in 2013. Prominent cartoonist Maurice Sinet for Charlie Hebdo magazine was fired for his anti-Semitic depictions in 2009 as he would not apologize for his racial depictions. In fact, M’bala M’bala’s recent racial slurs regarding the Paris shootings resulted in his arrest. Upon release from questioning, he took the garnered attention to showcase this double standard.

“When I speak … you look for a pretext to ban me,” M’bala M’bala said. “You consider me an Amédy Coulibaly (Paris attacker), while I’m no different from Charlie.”

I do not in any way support M’bala Mbala’s humor or racial slurs. Yet his message directs attention toward the larger question of Charlie Hebdo having the freedom to express hate speech on certain religions with no consequence, when in fact M’bala M’bala comes under the scrutiny of the courts for the same action.

The question for society: Do we accept the right to free speech amidst the hate it can cause? Can the flow of blood really come to an end, if the flow of ink is used to malign and degrade others under the facade of satire? What message does that send? Mocking 23 percent of the global population on something as deeply cherished as religion feels like a step toward discrimination and the targeted denial of human rights.

As I gasp in awe at this inequality, I wonder; can the insults or satire we hurl at the world make the blood that was shed or the fueling of the growing fire worth it? A reexamination of who we mock and why we mock them is in check, because in a prejudiced world where only the loudest voices are heard, satire that serves to mock everyone only acts as a detriment in our fight for human equality.

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Illustration by Sarah Andrievk

valentine's Day Why is Valentine’s Day such a big deal?

Libby Frazier Section Editor

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alentine’s Day, there is an abundance of unrealistic expectations set on this fine day of Feb. 14th. There has always been one question looming ominously in the back of my mind: what is the big deal about this day?

It is understandable why this day is dedicated to grand gestures of romance. St. Valentine married soldiers and their fiances illegally. Thanks to St. Valentine love blossomed and marriages flourished.

As amazing as Valentine’s work was, I have yet to understand the point of celebrating this as a holiday.

I am not saying that Valentine’s Day is awful. To be quite honest, I am indifferent about it. It is a kind of a “you do you” holiday. While love is something we all experience at least once in our lives, why is it this one

day that makes everyone feel all loved up?

It is estimated that every year, someone in a relationship spends at $130.97 on Valentine’s Day. That is a lot of money for one trivial day.

While a lot of money is spent, when did Valentine’s Day become yet another holiday to spend an extensive amount of money? Isn’t this holiday supposed to be about love rather than materialism? Valentine’s Day has become a cut-throat competition of who can get the better gift.

Cupid strikes his arrow every year on this day, and everyone scrambles; either trying to avoid it, or to get hit. This is another struggle.

Finding a “valentine.” This seems like something people stress about every year. Teens obsessively stare at

their phones waiting for their crush to text them, and are shattered if they do not because it has become an expectation to have a significant other.

Maybe some people just want to enjoy the single life and not have the pressure of dating someone. The stress of Valentine’s Day is simply unnecessary and holiday itself is overrated.

I, as a female, do not understand the female gender. Girls have far too many expectations, and must learn to be mature with what they expect out of the opposite gender. We have all been on the “Relationship Goals” hashtag on social media, and hopefully I am not the only one who finds some of it ridiculous. This Valentine’s Day try keeping it simple.

Valentine’s Day By The Numbers cards 1,400 = Hallmark’s Variety of Cards

151 million =

Number of cards exchanged 145 million = The unit amount of cards purchased

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Gifts flowers million = Num$4.4 billion = The amount 224 ber of roses grown spent on gold, diamonds, and silver $1.9 billion = Amount spent on flowers $1.6 billion = Amount spent on candy

for Valentine’s Day

64% = Percent

of men that buy flowers 36% = Percent of women who buy flowers

totals $18.6 billion = The

amount that will be spent on Valentine’s Day around the world $130.96 = The average amount a person will spend on Valentine’s Day

Can’t Escape the Love The school hallways are booby-trapped with PDA. Can you navigate around these couples to get to your next class?

Grace Lamar Reporter

Roadblock

If you insist on making out in crowded hallways, stairwells, and doorways, at least take a hint from road workers—who also block everyone’s path—and get some caution cones.

The Types of PDA The Notorious A.I.P. Fish Face (Always-In-Public)

My personal least You may never learn favorite. Visualize two fish their names. But you will fighting over a piece of remember this couple dropped food. Then change regardless because they do nothing. not go out in public without displaying affection.

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